But Weimann today ended speculation by committing his future to Paul Lambert’s side.

‘I’m really happy I’ve signed. I have been here for six seasons now, having started with the academy in 2006, and last season was tremendous for me and terrific for the team the way we played over the second half of a really demanding campaign,’ he said.

‘Hopefully, we can continue on like we finished and that will be the challenge. Like the other young players in the team, I want to keep improving as a player and keep pushing Villa as high as we can in the Premier League.

‘I feel like I owe the manager and the club because the manager backed me last season after he came in and I have always felt comfortable and really supported at the club.

‘The supporters, too, have been brilliant with me and they’ve really taken to me which I’m delighted about. It means everything to know you have support like that. The whole team feels the same way.’

Aston Villa fans will now be hoping the likes of star striker Christian Benteke will follow Weimann’s lead.